The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is holding a public workshop to gather public input on potential rule changes regarding handling .... October 23, 2024, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., EDT Statewide webinar. More ...

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Marine Fisheries

RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:

68B-32.002Definitions

68B-32.004Restrictions on Possession of Tarpon; Commercial Harvest Prohibited

68B-32.006Allowed and Prohibited Gear and Methods of Harvest

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announces a workshop to which all persons are invited.

DATE AND TIME: October 23, 2024, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., EDT

PLACE: Statewide webinar. More information about how to participate in the webinar will be available on the FWC website prior to the webinar date: http://www.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/rulemaking/workshops/. People interested in participating may also contact the Division of Marine Fisheries Management at [phone] for more information.

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is holding a public workshop to gather public input on potential rule changes regarding handling and possession of tarpon by anglers when fishing in Boca Grande Pass. Changes being considered would promote post-release survival of tarpon in the Boca Grande Pass where tarpon from the eastern Gulf of Mexico population concentrate seasonally.

During the workshop, staff will provide a presentation on tarpon biology and management, the importance of Boca Grande Pass for the fishery, observations of practices that may harm tarpon, and the potential rule changes. Staff will also take recommendations for rule changes to improve the fishery by reducing post-release mortality of tarpon. Public feedback gathered during this workshop will inform proposed rules presented to the FWC Commissioners for consideration at a future Commission meeting.

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Jessica McCawley, at 620 South Meridian St., Tallahassee, Florida 32399, [phone].

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: The ADA Coordinator, at [phone]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).

For more information, you may contact: Jessica McCawley, at 620 South Meridian St., Tallahassee, Florida 32399, [phone].